Kathy Hilton Shares Heartwarming Update: Kim Richards Thriving and Set to Celebrate Christmas with the Family - lulu

Kathy Hilton, Kim Richards. Photo: 

JC Olivera/Variety via Getty; Amanda Edwards/Getty 

Kathy Hilton is sharing an update on her sister Kim Richards' health ahead of the holidays.

While speaking exclusively to PEOPLE at DIRECTV's Christmas at Kathy's event on Tuesday, Dec. 10 held at her private residence in Bel Air, the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, 65, said Kim is "doing well" following reports she has been struggling with substance use.

"She's doing well," Kathy tells PEOPLE, adding of whether Kim, 60, and their sister Kyle Richards will be with her over Christmas, "Yes. We'll all be together."

Kathy Hilton attends DIRECTV's Christmas At Kathy's event on Dec. 10, 2024. 

Amanda Edwards/Getty

Kathy says her daughter Paris Hilton is keen to host either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day this year.

"Paris wants to do one of them... I'm used to doing it all. Or we go to Kyle's or we go to Kim's, so I will see," the mother of four adds.

When it comes to her eight grandkids, Kathy says she keeps gifts "real simple and easy."

"You know what? I asked them what they want," she shares, adding, "I just get them a couple things and that's it."

Kathy's comments about Kim come after she gave PEOPLE a brief update regarding her sister on Oct. 5. "We love her and we support her, and that's all I can say," the reality star said.

Asked if Kim is doing better, Kathy replied, “Yes,” before adding, “I think in the world there's always hope.”

Kim Richards and Kathy Hilton. Amanda Edwards/Getty

Kim's addiction journey has been documented through the years, including in 2010 when her sister Kyle revealed her to be an alcoholic on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Kim entered rehab the following year, and also spent time in rehab in 2015 after being charged with public intoxication.

In September, a source told PEOPLE that Kim's “reliance on alcohol has been an ongoing source of conflict between her and her sisters” with the issue being especially difficult for Kyle. It was reported the pair had allegedly been involved in a dispute earlier that month.

Kyle Richards, Kathy Hilton and Kim Richards. 

Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty 

“It particularly weighs heavily on Kyle, who has always been the worrier of the family,” the insider said at the time. “She does her best to take care of Kim — and essentially bankrolls Kim’s life, with Kathy [Hilton] — but never knows where the line goes between helping and enabling.”

“The family are very private about details, but from the little they’ve said, it’s clear they’ve reached another breaking point with her,” the source previously said, emphasizing how "this has happened before."

“It’s the same cycle: chaos until there’s some incident that gets Kim back on track, then brief steadiness as they repair their relationship, then the drinking starts again, Kim makes excuses, Kyle pleads she gets help, etc. etc.,” the insider continued.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.